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Ghana’s President Holds Back on Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, Tuesday declared his intention to withhold approval for an anti-LGBTQ+ bill until the nation’s Supreme Court determines its constitutionality. The proposed legislation, named The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, received parliamentary approval last week, introducing penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment for LGBTQ+ identification and five years for promoting related activities.
Concerns over the bill’s impact on international funding have been raised, with the finance ministry warning of potential loss of billions in World Bank support. Human rights groups had preemptively taken the matter to court even before its parliamentary endorsement. Ghana already criminalizes gay sex, punishable by a three-year prison term.
Despite bipartisan support from Ghana’s major political parties, the bill hinges on the president’s approval to become law. President Akufo-Addo, who had previously indicated his willingness to sign if supported by the majority, is now emphasizing Ghana’s commitment to human rights to the international community. The UK and the US have strongly condemned the bill, and advocacy groups denounce it as regressive.
Addressing concerns from the diplomatic community, President Akufo-Addo reassured that Ghana has no intention of compromising its longstanding record on human rights and adherence to the rule of law. The finance ministry, however, disclosed potential repercussions, stating that Ghana may lose $3.8 billion in World Bank funding over the next five to six years.
Two Dead in Nairobi Mid-Air Collision
A mid-air collision between two planes near Nairobi on Tuesday morning resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals. The victims were identified as a trainee pilot and their instructor, who were on board a Cessna aircraft belonging to Ninety-Nines Flying School.
The Cessna crashed tragically within the boundaries of Nairobi National Park, claiming the lives of both occupants. The second aircraft involved in the incident, a Dash 8 operated by Safarilink Aviation Limited, was fortunately able to land safely at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport despite experiencing a “loud bang” shortly after takeoff.
Safarilink confirmed in a statement that their flight numbered 053, carrying 39 passengers and five crew members en route to Diani, encountered the loud noise and the crew opted for an immediate return to Nairobi for inspection. Thankfully, no injuries or casualties were reported on the Safarilink flight.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) launched an investigation to determine the cause of the mid-air collision. This investigation is being spearheaded by the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) in collaboration with the National Police Service.
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